16th Summer of Wilson Funded Internships Kicks off with Orientation Event

On Thursday, May 30, the Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship at Pace University hosted the Wilson Center Summer Intern Orientation, marking the beginning of a summer filled with meaningful work and professional growth for our 2024 summer cohort of Wilson-funded interns. The internship program is now in its 16^th year and has funded 205 Pace interns since inception in 2008.

Each year, the Helene and Grant Wilson Center's Funded Summer Internship Program funds up to ten students to work full-time summer internships at social enterprises and nonprofit organizations throughout the New York metro-area. The program is designed with a dual mission: to offer experiential learning and income for students with a passion for social innovation, social impact and the nonprofit sectors, and to supply those sectors with bright, highly motivated, and mentored students who can contribute significantly to their work. These internship experiences are to provide hands-on, substantive opportunities for students to make meaningful contributions.

The orientation program began with a welcome breakfast and coffee, where interns had the opportunity to meet Wilson Center staff and connect with their peers working across various nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and social enterprises in the NYC metro area. This initial meet-and-greet set the tone for a day filled with exploration and inspiration. Following breakfast, we headed outside for a walk to the historic South Street Seaport. The interns explored the local neighborhood, visited Pier 17, and captured photos while discussing Pace’s unique location in Lower Manhattan, its proximity and accessibility to our waterways, Governor’s Island and the New York Harbor.

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A highlight of the day was the visit to the rooftop at Pier 17, where the interns were greeted by Stephanie a staff member from Assembly Person Grace Lee's office, representing New York's 65th Assembly District. Stephanie introduced herself and shared her motivations and goals, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement, the strength of local government and its ability to influence change. Her call to action served as a significant source of inspiration for the Wilson Center funded interns, encouraging them as they embark on their summer internships.

After an energizing visit to the South Street Seaport, the group returned to campus for lunch and a detailed onboarding discussion covering a number of logistical items, including timecard management and addressing any frequently asked questions. This session ensured that the interns were well-prepared and equipped with the necessary information for a seamless onboarding at their respective summer employer.

The Helene and Grant Wilson Center for Social Entrepreneurship is proud to support our interns as they engage in transformative work this summer, contributing to the vibrant nonprofit and social enterprise sector in New York. This orientation event not only provided essential information but also inspired and motivated our Pace interns, underscoring the importance of their contributions to the community.